sunwaves's reviews
107 reviews

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
regretful to dnf. beautiful imagery, and i especially like the insight into bystander’s perspectives. never read anything like that before. however, i don’t feel a connection to the mcs or to the story itself, and that combined with the fast-shifting perspectives, this book feels like a chore to get through. wish i had the resolve to continue because i do have an inkling that i might like it more if given a chance. 
My Murder by Katie Williams

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Short read. Easy page turner. Enjoyed it. Glad the one person I wanted to be innocent turned out so. Did not dislike the plot twist. Book explores postpartum depression, falling out of love, exploitation of female murder victims, motherhood… 
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-sook Shin

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dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

a deeply introspective book about how a woman undertakes the role of a mother, a daughter, a wife in post-war korea. had me reflecting on my own relationship with my mom, her life, her personal relationships and duties besides being a mother and wife, her dreams… this book dives into trad family dynamics, and begets these questions, “do i take my family for granted?” ”does anyone in my family truly know me?” 
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

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adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Brilliant introduction to the world of Robin Hobb. Deeply captivating and atmospheric writing focused mainly on the characters - all admirable, multi-faceted, and complex in their motives and relationships. Reading this book felt exactly like being plunged into its universe, I felt in my heart every feeling Fitz felt, could see in my mind every scene he expressed. Rarely do I enjoy reading first person POV, but I have fallen in love with how Fitzchivalry Farseer experiences the world. Note that this book only feels like an introduction to the rest of the series, and due to its slow paced nature, I believe it can feel like a chore to get through unless you’re fond of the characters. Beautiful work with great world-building too. The magic system is fairly simple compared to contemporary magic systems but is woven so intricately into the storyline and the character’s journeys it reads so naturally. Can’t wait to indulge in the rest of the series. Starter to a 16 course meal. 
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Tangled Wires by Lillian Lark

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Rouge by Mona Awad

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dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood

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dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i can’t say i enjoyed reading this very much, and i love symbolism in books, but not so much in the edible woman. i don’t think this is the kind of book you’re supposed to enjoy anyway, it’s grim and dark all too real.  

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